Description

This exemplary erotic netsuke of a man and woman copulating is hand crafted in ancient mammoth ivory. Among a series of Kamasutra figurines, the Master Carver has chosen a different position to bring to the forefront the sexual passion that is reflected in this particular shunga netsuke. Notice the way the man is biting his tongue as he penetrates her from behind while the woman squats on a stool while balancing herself on one leg of the man. The muscles of their bodies, the curve of her breasts and the protruding legs and hips are a testimony to the skill of the Master Carver to bring such an intimate moment to life in solid and genuine mammoth ivory.

Kamasutra figurines

Beautifully crafted by hand, using small sized tools, look at the skill and marvel at the ingenuity of the Master Carver. Notice the clean-cut delineated lines, the tiny curves and the finish done on the Kamasutra figurines. Look at the titled head of the woman, the way her hair falls in curls and straight lines. The Master Carver has hand painted it such that it looks natural and each hair strand seems to be clearly visible. The man is biting his tongue that protrudes slightly from his mouth while his neck muscles are also clearly visible. With a titled head and happy expression, they both seem to be buried in the ethos of passion and lovemaking. Capturing an intimate moment is not easy and that signifies the skill of the Master Carver.

Coveted mammoth ivory Kamasutra netsuke

Mammoth ivory erotic netsuke are coveted rarities as only a few Master Carvers are experienced to handle and intricately carve a whole range of themes in it. That is why this specific Kamasutra figurine, hand carved and polished is beyond perfection. It adds allure to a collector’s collection and showcases the artistic abilities to the hilt.

Fossil ivory or mammoth ivory tusk is procured from the modified two upper incisors of the Woolly mammoth. This fossil ivory or Mastodon ivory is harvested from the fossilized remains of the wooly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) that have been extinct since the last 10,000 years. The remains of these huge animals are found in Siberia, Alaska and other regions of Russia. The fossilized ivory is a precious commodity which is extracted from the permafrost and thus, has high antique and historical value. The Mammoth ivory is as good as elephant ivory when it comes to its quality and luster.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand of mammoth ivory which has led to an unquenchable proportion. But if you look at the current scenario, mammoth ivory is non replenishable. There are only limited mammoth ivory that can be extracted from the fossilized carcass and how long can that be done?

Most researchers have estimated about over 9 million carcasses are still buried under the deep permafrost in the Tundra regions and about the same number are available to be harvested in the higher regions in China. There is a high demand of mammoth ivory in China where not only do sculptors need this powerful medium to carve and sculpt but traditional herbal medicine practitioners require the low quality mammoth ivory chips and dust to put into traditional medicines.

After the banning of elephant ivory in 1999, fossil ivory became much in demand as an alternative medium to elephant ivory. However, there is another aspect of paleontologists and archeologists to harvesting ivory. According to them, excavating the carcass for harvesting the tusks, which has been buried for centuries and converted into a fossil leads to damage of scientific data. But fossil ivory traders have a different view and claim that it is better to unearthed the precious material from the soil and sculpt it for people to enjoy the beauty of ageless ivory.

Wooly mammoths have been extinct for the past 10,000 years unlike Asian and African elephants so mammoth ivory is not listed in the Appendices to the CITES nor is mammoth ivory subject to control as per the listed Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 187. Mammoth ivory is a precious relic of the past that has been well preserved in the coldest tundra regions of Siberia and Alaska. Thus, mammoths or Mammuthus primigenus is an extinct proboscidan and the only legal source of high grade precious ivory that can be used for carvings.

Fossil ivory or mammoth ivory is sensitive to surrounding temperature and harsh climatic conditions have an adverse impact. Due to its sensitivity to humidity and temperature, when it expands and contracts, it can split due to stress. We ensure that only the purest of ivory is used that is free of any imperfection after being acclimatized for a number of years above ground. To protect your ivory, it is recommended that you rub mineral oil twice a year to replenish its natural oils. Renaissance Wax can be used to give it a protective polished shine.

However, please bear in mind and do not:

Spill or put ink on ivory Make the ivory wet Put the ivory in direct sunlight Let the ivory heat up or freeze Expose the ivory to fluctuations in temperature and humidity

Basic differences between Elephant ivory and mammoth ivory

Using the angles of Schreger lines in Mammoth ivory can differentiate between elephant ivory and fossil ivory. You can see this reflected in the cross section photographs of both elephant and mammoth ivory.

It is clearly reflected in the photos that the angle of Schreger lines on the mammoth ivory are less than 90 degrees while those on elephant ivory are more than 115 degrees. This is the best way to do differentiate between the two ivories.

Mammoth carcasses have been found mostly in Alaska and Siberia under the deep permafrost. In Alaska and Siberia, the constant ongoing tussle between the archeologists and mammoth ivory traders continues with the increase in demand of mammoth ivory as it is the only legal ivory that is used to create some of the most beautiful sculptures.

Even after there are enforced laws that protect Alaska’s ancient heritage and history, there are people that just don’t care. There are numerous interstate commercial traders dealing in illegal mining of whalebone, walrus ivory and mammoth tusks on public land to create jewelry, sculptures, scrimshaws and assorted art pieces.